Wednesday, November 14, 2012

My Christmas Playlist & Holiday Happenings

Growing up in my family, Christmas traditions were huge. We had many special moments shared together year after year, and one of my favorites was the carol singing we did. And still do, actually! All during December, we would sit around the Christmas tree and sing carol after carol before bedtime. My Mom would often play the piano along with us and we'd sing all the classics, from Rudolph to Away in a Manger. Zach's not big on singing, but this is still a tradition that we plan on sharing with our own little family for years to come. I compiled a list of my top ten very favorite Christmas 'jams' for you all and I would love (seriously, LOVE) for you to share some of your top picks too. Nothing like hearing a heart-warming Christmas song for the first time!In no particular order...1. All I Want for Christmas is You- Mariah CareyOften overplayed, yet still list-worthy. Best enjoyed while sliding across the living room floor in fuzzy socks, singing into a hairbrush.

2. It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas- Michael BubleI tend to lean toward the classics, but Michael does this one so well. Plus, he looks really, really good while singing it.

3. White Christmas- Bing CrosbyNo explanation necessary. Should be the official Christmas Anthem.

4. Marshmallow World- Dean Martin & Frank SinatraSo good on so many levels; gotta love the Rat Pack. Lighthearted and silly, but also dangerously addicting. Beware: this can and will get stuck in your head for days.

5. Baby, It's Cold Outside- Lady AntebellumJust the right amount of country while still staying true to the song's playful duet style. Probably my most-played so far this season.

6. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree- Brenda LeeRock it out while putting up the tree...putting up dishes...putting up laundry...basically while doing anything where dancing a little jig and singing entirely too loud can be involved.

7. Carol of the Bells- Trans-Siberian OrchestraNot much into instrumentals, but this one is amazing. Heard it in concert a few years ago and almost busted both my eardrums.

8. Christmas in Killarney- Bing CrosbyMy Dad's all-time favorite, so it needs to be on the list. Plus, it's ridiculously catchy.

9. Wonderful Christmas Time- Paul McCartneyBeen obsessed with Sir Paul pretty much my entire life....been obsessed with this song almost as long.

10. Linus and Lucy- Vince GuaraldiAnyone else a huge Charlie Brown Christmas fan? This is another one that'll make you do a little jig. Just don't watch The Weather Channel too much during the month of December...they wear this one out.You can't download or buy this song, but you can enjoy it via youtube....love me some JGL and Zooey!

Can't wait to hear some of your favorite Christmas jams!A few pictures as of late...I know everyone and their dogs are talking about holiday drinks at Starbucks, but I can't help it. There isn't anything better than a cup of Caramel Apple Spice on a chilly fall day.

Has anyone else seen the new Pringles flavors? This totally freaked Z out.

A big fat YES to sweats and slippers. After temperatures in the high 80's all last week, it's down to the 50's and 60's in Houston and we're loving it.

Mall decorated for Christmas= best time of the year.

a gift from our sweet cousins, Collin and Braylie

Zach started the thoughtful tradition of buying me a snow globe every Christmas; this is my favorite (from our first Christmas together).

No, we haven't forgotten about Thanksgiving...just trying to get things ready for Christmas before Tiny gets here and everything get cray-zay around these parts. Feeling extra thankful for our wonderful family and friends today; can't wait to see them all the next couple of months. This time of year is the best. Happy Holidays, friends!

haha that is so funny. I just seen that pumpkin spice flavored pringles and instagramed it. My sons like it, but I could just bring myself to sniff the can. haha I LOVE Christmas as much as I love Fall. And I am so excited to be hosting my first 2 holiday parties at our new home this year (:I also love your playlist. It just makes me more excited for the holidays.

You already have your tree up? Jealous! We are putting ours up the day after Thanksgiving, it's our tradition! And I had no idea you had seen Trans Siberian Orchestra in concert, they are awesome huh? These next couple of months are going to be crazy but so exciting for y'all!

What a fun and festive post!! :) I just heard one of the radio stations in our area started all Christmas music today! I LOVE all Christmas music...my friends make fun of the cheese factor of some of my selections - The Christmas Shoes...did you ever see the movie or hear the song? I cry and they laugh @ me and say it is absolutely cheesy and annoying. Steve loathes it! Haha! (I admit, it is kinda dorky). I love anything by Josh Groban. Nat King Cole. Lots of country of course. ;) I love that you already have your tree up and are so prepared! Imagine Tiny's face when he sees all of those beautiful lights. What a way to welcome him home! Those pumpkin pringles sound gross and I love pumpkin. Lol!Hope you're relaxing and enjoying another comfy night!!Lots of love xoxoxMaria